Rovaniemi: Riding Tour with Finnhorses at SCV

Key Points

• Affordable and accessible: Priced at $119 per person, with a 1-hour duration including riding and post-ride relaxing.
• Ideal for beginners: The slow-paced ride requires no prior experience, featuring calm Finnhorses.
• Engaging guides and small groups ensure personalized attention.
• Seasonal scenery: Enjoy snow-covered forests in winter, vibrant autumn foliage, summer’s “nightless night” sun, and spring’s blooming landscapes.
• Comfort and safety: Participants are briefed on safety and advised to wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Memorable ending: Warm drinks, gingerbread cookies, and roasted marshmallows beside a fire cap off the experience.

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Rovaniemi: Riding Tour with Finnhorses at SCV – An Overview

The Rovaniemi: Riding Tour with Finnhorses at SCV offers an authentic adventure into Lapland’s untouched nature. Priced at $119 per person, this 1-hour experience showcases the calm and friendly Finnhorses, Finland’s national breed, known for their gentle nature and sure-footedness—making this tour ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxing escape into forest scenery.

This tour departs from Aurora Horses at the northern end of Joulumaantie, just a short walk from Santa Claus Village. The small group size, limited to five participants, ensures a personalized experience and attentive guidance. The tour includes a brief safety briefing, the riding session, and a cozy fire-side gathering with hot drinks and snacks. Weather conditions may influence the ride’s duration, but the overall experience emphasizes tranquility and connection with nature.

While the activity is primarily suitable for adults and children over 5 years, it excludes those who are pregnant, allergic to animals, or over 260 lbs (118 kg). No transportation is included, so participants should plan to arrive at the meeting point on their own.

Exploring Lapland’s Seasons on a Finnhorse Ride

This tour offers a captivating view of Lapland’s changing landscapes. In autumn, the forests burst with colorful foliage, creating a vibrant backdrop for the slow-paced ride. During winter, snow blankets the trees, and the snow crunches beneath the hooves as the horses walk through the silent woods. Spring mornings shimmer with a mix of melting snow and singing migratory birds, while summer rides are under the “nightless night” sun, providing a unique midnight daylight experience.

Each season enhances the peaceful atmosphere, with guides sharing stories about the local environment and life in Lapland. The scenery, combined with the calm Finnhorses, makes for a relaxing and visually stunning journey no matter the time of year.

The Finnhorse: Calm and Sure-Footed Companions

The Finnhorses used in this tour are known for their gentle disposition and sure-footedness, making them especially suitable for beginners. The guide introduces the horses and explains how to get on and off comfortably, ensuring even first-timers feel confident.

The horses are described as well-behaved and calm, standing quietly when mounting. Their friendly nature and professional care by the staff contribute to a safe and enjoyable ride. As the horses walk through the forest, their calm demeanor helps create a peaceful atmosphere, allowing participants to truly enjoy the surroundings.

The Guided Experience and Storytelling Style

The guides at Aurora Horses are praised for their kindness, knowledge, and friendly approach. They provide a short safety briefing before setting off and share interesting facts about the horses and local nature during the ride.

After the ride, the guides lead guests to a fire-lit hut, where they serve warm drinks, gingerbread cookies, and marshmallows for roasting. This storytelling and sharing moment adds warmth and charm to the overall experience, making participants feel welcomed and relaxed.

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Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point at Aurora Horses is easy to find. It’s located at the north end of Joulumaantie, with clear guide signs from Santa Claus Village. Guests just follow Joulumaantie past Husky Park, turn left at the yellow Forest Mansion, and walk straight to the stables.

The small group limit of five participants ensures a personalized and attentive experience. The duration of the horseback ride is approximately 40 minutes, with the total activity lasting about one hour including the post-ride gathering.

The Post-Ride Fire and Snack Experience

After the riding session, participants are led to a cozy hut by the fire, where they can sip a warm drink and enjoy gingerbread cookies and roasted marshmallows. The guide shares stories about Finnhorses and Lapland life during this relaxed moment.

This warm ending creates a friendly, communal atmosphere and is praised as a highlight of the tour. The experience fosters a sense of connection with both the horses and the local culture.

Personal Experiences and Customer Satisfaction

The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 150 reviews. Participants highlight the friendly guides, well-behaved horses, and beautiful forest scenery, noting that even beginners feel comfortable and well-supported.

Many reviews mention the relaxing pace and the informative storytelling by guides. The fire-side snacks and marshmallow roasting are consistently praised, along with the personalized attention due to small group sizes.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This riding experience suits adults and children over 5 years wanting a gentle introduction to horse riding. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful connection with Lapland’s nature.

However, it is not suitable for pregnant women, those allergic to animals, or persons over 260 lbs (118 kg). Participants should wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, as the outdoor ride is slow-paced but still exposed to the elements.

Final Thoughts on the Rovaniemi Finnhorse Ride

The Rovaniemi: Riding Tour with Finnhorses at SCV offers a calm and scenic introduction to Lapland’s natural beauty. With professional guides, friendly Finnhorses, and the chance to enjoy seasonal landscapes, it caters well to beginners and those seeking tranquility.

The post-ride fire-side gathering with hot drinks and snacks adds a cozy, social element that many find memorable. The small group sizes and personalized service make this a value-rich activity, especially for those who appreciate nature, animals, and local culture.

While the ride length is modest—about 40 minutes—the overall one-hour experience combines gentle activity with cultural storytelling and relaxation. For anyone visiting Santa Claus Village and looking for a peaceful outdoor activity, this tour provides a charming and authentic taste of Lapland’s forest life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, the ride is slow-paced and designed for beginners, with no prior experience needed.

What should I wear?
Participants are advised to bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes to stay cozy during the outdoor ride.

How long is the actual horseback ride?
The riding time is approximately 40 minutes, within a total activity duration of 1 hour.

Are children allowed to participate?
Children over 5 years can join, but the activity is not suitable for younger kids or pregnant women.

What kind of horses are used?
The tour uses Finnhorses, known for their calm nature and sure-footedness.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers the riding experience, a safety briefing, and hot drinks, gingerbread, and marshmallows at the fire hut.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the activity is not included; participants need to arrive at the meeting point independently.

Can weather affect the ride?
Yes, weather conditions may influence the duration or feasibility of the ride, but the experience emphasizes peaceful forest views regardless of season.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby